Scope and Content Sculptured Cross, St Columba's Graveyard, A' Chill, Canna, Highland, from the north
The remains of an Early Christian chapel dedicated to St Columba stand at A' Chill in the south-east of Canna, the outermost island of a group in the Inner Hebrides known as the Small Isles. The site of the chapel is marked by a finely-sculptured yellow sandstone cross, possibly dating from the 8th or 9th century, which stands in the graveyard surrounding the church. This photograph of the north side of the cross (back) was taken by Erskine Beveridge in 1895.
The top arm of the cross is broken off. On the end of the north arm (top) is a single panel of carved plait-work. The north side of the shaft has a flat, projecting border or flange, about 100mm thick, which terminates underneath the north arm. It is decorated with two primitive human figures, one set above the other, carved in great detail but with expressionless faces.
Both figures are set frontally, but the lower one has flexed knees and legs which are turned to the left. The upper figure is delicately raised on his toes. Both have large heads, and their hands, crossed at waist-level, appear to be carrying a large oblong object which may be a book-satchel or may represent a loincloth or apron.
Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

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